East Idaho News: Melaleuca Gives Out $2.4 Million in Bonuses

IDAHO FALLS — More than 200 Melaleuca employees went home richer Thursday after being awarded with a longevity bonus during the company’s annual employee meeting.

A total of $2.4 million in bonuses was distributed to the workers. Melaleuca pays $5,000 on a five-year anniversary, $10,000 at 10 years, $15,000 at 15 years, $20,000 at 20 years, $25,000 at 25 years and $30,000 at 30 years.

“We care about all of you and it’s impressive to watch how many people are going the distance with us,” CEO Frank VanderSloot said during the meeting. “We believe those of you who have helped us build this company should share in the wealth.”

Melaleuca has paid $20 million to more than 1,200 employees since instituting the bonus in 2007. ValderSloot said he created this bonus program so every 30-year employee can have more than $1 million in the bank when they retire from Melaleuca.

“It’s our goal that all Melaleuca employees will retire as millionaires,” said VanderSloot. “Even the janitors will retire as millionaires if they simply follow our program.”

This year, 58 employees received $5,000; 96 employees received $10,000; 13 employees received $15,000; 22 employees received $25,000; and 15 employees received $33,000.

“I don’t know of any companies that do this,” Alan Cole, Melaleuca’s global purchasing director, told EastIdahoNews.com.

Cole has accompanied VanderSloot to Utah Jazz basketball games, on a fishing trip to Alaska and on several cruises.

“That’s the reason I’m still here after 25 years,” Cole said. “Frank is very generous. He likes to share, and while he’s worth a lot of money, he shares a lot of money too.”

Source: EastIdahoNews.com